April 12 – The Women’s Super League (WSL) has agreed a one-year extension with Sky Sports and the BBC for broadcast rights to the 2024/25 season while negotiations continue for a longer term deal from 2025.
Sky Sports, will air up to 44 WSL matches next season, all accessible to Sky Sports subscribers, while the matches will also be available for streaming on the over-the-top (OTT) platform Now TV.
In parallel, the BBC will broadcast 22 live games, with a minimum of 18 matches to be aired on its linear channels, whilst all 22 fixtures will be available on the iPlayer streaming platform.
Both broadcasters have retained the same number of games they hold as part of the WSL’s current contract, which was set to expire at the end of the current campaign. The agreement, which kicked in from the 2021/22 season, was worth a reported £8 million ($10 million) per year.
Sky Sports managing director Jonathan Licht said: “It’s a hugely exciting time for women’s football in this country.
“Extending our partnership with the Women’s Super League with more matches than any other broadcaster is fantastic news for Sky Sports customers.
“Audiences have increased hugely over recent years and we’re proud of our contribution to the growth of the game and women’s sport more broadly, showing 70 % of all live action last year on our channels.”
Beyond 2025, reports suggest that the highest tier of women’s soccer in England aims to secure a deal valued between £15 million ($18.8 million) and £20 million ($25.1 million) annually. This ambition is fueled by substantial increases in viewership, public interest, and record-breaking attendance during the current season.
Philip Bernie, interim director of BBC Sport, said women’s football had reached “unprecedented heights”.
“We are pleased that BBC Sport will continue to showcase the great excitement of our domestic league by extending our partnerships with the Women’s Super League,” said Bernie.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714154277labto1714154277ofdlr1714154277owedi1714154277sni@g1714154277niwe.1714154277yrrah1714154277